The Sweden star was sent off for kicking his opposite number in the chest during the match in November, but the 31-year-old has since insisted the clash was purely accidental, adding that, but for his efforts to pull out of the challenge, he could have ended the keeper's career.

"The situation was a little confused because the referee asked us what had happened," he told RMS Sport. "He did not seem very sure of himself. I felt that he had not seen [the] action. Afterwards, he brandished a red card and I accepted his decision.

"Obviously, I never meant to hurt the opposing goalkeeper. I played the ball and I [saw] it happen at the last moment. Fortunately, my leg was not straight. If this were the case, he might never have played football again. Anyway, I bent my leg to absorb the shock, while also protecting me upon contact. This is football."